Acid Reflux Symptoms in Babies

Posted on December 23rd, 2008 in Uncategorized by admin

Acid reflux symptoms in babies is experienced by half the world’s population. As we grow into adults, plenty of us continue to suffer from the symptoms of heartburn. What care should we as parents take to treat acid reflux symptoms babies?  Read on to find out how you can assist in decreasing discomfort that infants suffer in their early years.

Acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) is a term used in medicine to explain the state wherein stomach acid and food make their way back into the esophagus. There is a circle of muscles at the base of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter opens and shuts to let food pass into the stomach. After meals have been had, the lower esophageal sphincter opens in order to let out gas. But sometimes you may find that it’s not just gas that comes out. The contents in the stomach may find their way back into the esophagus and then out into the mouth. Parents may notice that the baby is spitting but it can also lead to vomiting.

Acid reflux symptoms in babies can happen after a feed or even during a feed. It can also happen when babies cry or cough. Acid reflux is found to occur in the majority of babies in the first three months of their life. It is pretty common and is normally referred to as spitting up. Yet most babies don’t really require any kind of treatment. Acid reflux symptoms in babies normally vanish when the baby attains the age of 12 to 18 months. Very few babies suffer from symptoms which can be quite severe; only such cases need medical treatment.

Listed below are the most widespread acid reflux symptoms in babies:

    Regular coughing
    Recurrent hiccups
    Wet burping
    Bad breath
    Spitting up often
    Irritable while being fed
    Has disturbed sleep
    Arches the back while being fed
    Sudden or persistent crying
    Refusing to take in food or having little quantities

Now we shall list the acid reflux symptoms babies which are not so common:

    Drools excessively
    Suffers from sinus or ear infections often
    Noticeable weight loss or poor gain in weight
    Recurrence of sore throat
    Difficulty in swallowing
    Suffers from wheezing, asthma bronchitis or pneumonia

Very often your doctor will diagnose acid reflux depending on the description of acid reflux symptoms babies provided by the parents, the feeding history and a physical examination even if the baby is healthy and growing very well. If the doctor suspects that the condition is more serious like Gastroesophageal Reflux, he may ask for other tests. Such tests comprise of esophageal pH monitoring which measures the level of acidity in tyour baby’s esophagus. Another test is the upper endoscopy wherein a tube along with a light and a camera lens is put into the baby’s esophagus and stomach through its mouth. The doctor can then tell whether there is a narrowing or inflammation of the esophagus or not.

Acid reflux symptoms in babies is very common in the first year of their life. It is very important to discuss the various treatment options available with your baby’s doctor before starting on any treatment especially before you make use of any over the counter medicine. So if you do notice any acid reflux symptoms babies, consult your doctor immediately.